Sander Levin pans Republican redistricting map

U.S. Rep. Sander Levin is criticizing a Republican congressional map that would extend Rep. John Conyers' 14th District from Detroit to Pontiac through the communities of Oak Park, Southfield, Farmington Hills and Orchard Lake.

Levin told the state Senate Redistricting Committee Tuesday that the new districts "twist and turn to protect incumbents" rather than create competitive districts.

The map would put Democratic incumbent Gary Peters and Republican incumbent Thad McCotter into the same southeast Michigan district since Michigan is losing a congressional seat. The Republican-drawn map combines Levin and Peters' districts.

The GOP-controlled committee is on a short break but plans to reconvene to vote on a congressional map.